Most Americans, whether liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican, do not show much understanding or respect for the principles of personal liberty. We criticize our political leaders, but we must recognize that their behavior simply reflects the values of people who elected them to office. That means we are all to blame for greater governmental control over our lives and a decline in personal liberty. Let me outline some fundamental principles of liberty. ... MORE

Those of us who believe that the Constitution means what it says have
been arguing since the late 1970s that congressional efforts to
strengthen national security by weakening personal liberty are
unconstitutional, un-American and ineffective. The Foreign Intelligence
Surveillance Act, which Congress passed in the aftermath of President
Richard Nixon's use of the CIA and the FBI to spy on his political
opponents, has unleashed demons that now seem beyond the government's
control and are more pervasive than anything Nixon could have dreamed
of. ... MORE

Last week, in a public courtroom in the federal courthouse in Seattle, the states of Washington and Minnesota — after suing President Donald Trump, alleging injury caused by his executive order that suspended the immigration of all people from seven foreign countries — asked a federal judge to compel the president and all those who work for him to cease enforcing the order immediately. After a brief emergency oral argument, the judge signed a temporary restraining order, ... MORE

Any honest man, looking back on a very long life, must admit — even if only to himself — being a relic of a bygone era.

Having lived long enough to have seen both "the greatest generation" that fought World War II and the gratingest generation that we see all around us today, makes being a relic of the past more of a boast than an admission.

It was fourth down in a National Football League game, and the
punting team came onto the field. The other team went into their
formation to defend against the punt. Then somebody noticed that the man
set to kick the punt was black. ... MORE

This Veterans Day offers an excellent opportunity to review the welfare of veterans, especially those who have suffered wounds — physical and psychological — on the battlefield. Happily, the great majority of wounded veterans seem to be doing fine. They have dealt with their wounds and returned to productive society — proud of their service and loyal to the flag. They will be much in evidence today marching in Veterans Day parades.